Thursday, 8 May 2025

The Musical Heritage of Rohri Before the British Era

The Musical Heritage of Rohri Before the British Era

A group of traditional musicians from Rohri, dressed in colorful red and blue attire, performing with instruments including a stringed instrument and a drum, set against a backdrop of a historic town.
Traditional Musicians of Rohri in Vibrant Performance

A Glimpse into Rohris Musical Past

Before the British colonial period, the city of Rohri in Sindh, Pakistan, was a vibrant hub of musical tradition. The city was home to a unique community of musicians and singers, whose artistry enriched cultural and social gatherings. This article delves into the lives of these performers, their origins, and their contributions to Rohri’s cultural landscape, drawing from historical accounts and local narratives.

The Eight Musical Houses of Rohri

A group of traditional musicians from Rohri performing with colorful attire, including a man with a stringed instrument, two women in vibrant red dresses holding their skirts, and another man with a drum, set against a historic backdrop.
Traditional Rohri Musicians Performance


Rohri was home to eight prominent families of musicians, originally hailing from Sehwan, a historic city in Sindh known for its Sufi heritage. These families migrated to Rohri and settled primarily in the Dhoro Meman locality, a neighborhood that became synonymous with musical talent. Their music was deeply rooted in Sindhi folk traditions, and their performances were integral to the city’s social fabric.

The male musicians of these families performed at weddings, entertaining the men’s gatherings with soulful songs accompanied by the dholak (a double-headed drum) and dhol (a larger drum). Meanwhile, the women performed exclusively for female audiences at the bride’s home, singing and playing the dholak to celebrate the occasion. These performances were not only artistic but also communal, fostering a sense of unity and joy. Guests at these events would offer small coins, often one paisa, as a token of appreciation, placing them in a ghoar (a traditional container).

Professional Singers and Cultural Performances

In addition to these hereditary musicians, Rohri boasted a group of professional singers, both male and female, who elevated the city’s musical reputation. These artists performed at a variety of events, including weddings, engagement ceremonies (muradin), fairs, festivals, and private gatherings. Their repertoire included Sindhi folk songs, Sufi poetry, and other traditional genres that resonated with the local audience.

Siyain Chaudhry performing a traditional song on PTV during the 1960s and 1970s.
Siyain Chaudhry on PTV (1960-1970)

Many of these singers were based in the Masaan area and its surroundings, a region known for its cultural vibrancy. Among the notable figures was Sian Chaudhry, a celebrated television artist who performed on PTV from 1960 to 1970. He spent much of his time at the residence of Gul Hasan Shah in Masaan and lived in a two-story building that once served as a hotel, located across the road from the current Girls High School in the south. His mother resided with him during this period. These artists were celebrated for their ability to connect with audiences, making every event memorable.

The Legacy of Rohri’s Musicians

The musicians of pre-British Rohri were more than entertainers; they were custodians of Sindhi culture. Their songs carried stories of love, devotion, and community, preserving the oral traditions of the region. The migration of Sehwan’s musical families to Rohri highlights the interconnectedness of Sindh’s cultural centers, with music serving as a bridge between communities.

Today, the legacy of these musicians lives on in the memories of Rohri’s residents and the continued popularity of Sindhi folk music. While modern influences have transformed the musical landscape, the spirit of those early performers remains a source of inspiration.

Conclusion

Rohri’s musical heritage before the British era is a testament to the city’s rich cultural history. The eight musical houses from Sehwan, the professional singers of Masaan, and the vibrant performances at weddings and festivals created a legacy that continues to resonate. By celebrating these artists, we honor the traditions that shaped Rohri’s identity as a cradle of Sindhi music.

Reference: Based on historical accounts by Amdad Hussain Shah, Rohri.

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